Samoan Tattoos – A Rite of Passage


Traditional Tattoos

– Samoan tattooing has been a tradition for over two thousand years.




– It symbolizes Samoan pride in their culture.

– Tatau is one of the most significant traditional Samoan tattoos.








– It represents family, community, and ancestry.

Pe’a

– The pea is a traditional Samoan tattoo that covers the body from the torso to the knees.














samoan-tattoos

– It symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood.

– It requires courage and strength to endure the tattooing process.
















– The pea signifies readiness for leadership roles and special privileges in Samoan society.

Malu

– The male is a female Samoan tattoo that covers the lower body.
















– It symbolizes modesty, dignity, and protection for family members.

– It used to be rare but is becoming more common.
















– Women often get the malu to commemorate significant life events.

Tatau

tattoos symbolize community, power, status, respect, honor, and pride in Samoan culture.
















– Men typically display tatau on the chest, while women opt for a tattoo on their legs.

– The sun is a common symbol in Samoan tatau, representing wealth, leadership, and power.









samoan-tattoos






– The tattooing process can be painful but has deep cultural significance.

Bradens Ta’ala’s Experience

– Braden Ta’ala got a pe’a tattooed by a Samoan tufuga.
















– It was a life-altering experience that required travel and enduring pain.

– Ta’ala carefully considered the meaning of his tattoo, representing his family, culture, and future.